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Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1805 - 1844

Biography

Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844) was a prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Joseph Smith, Jr. was born on December 23, 1805, to parents Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith. He was the fifth of eleven children. He worked on the family farm in Vermont and later in western New York. A series of remarkable spiritual experiences prepared him for his prophetic calling. Beginning in 1820 at Palmyra, New York, Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in vision. Through revelation, he translated and published the Book of Mormon, organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830, and received revelations to guide the Church. By inspiration, he called Apostles and other Church leaders, defined doctrines, and taught the principles and ordinances that would lead to exaltation. Under his leadership, Latter-day Saints founded communities in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. He was sustained as First Elder of the Church on April 6, 1830. On June 27, 1844, at Carthage, Illinois, Joseph Smith died a martyr to his faith.

Citation:
Book of Mormon. Japanese. Morumon-kyō, 1909 (1950 printing): t.p. (Josefu Sumisu [in Japanese])

Book of Moemon. Armenian. Girkʻ Mōrmōni, 1937: t.p. (Kart. Chōzēf Smitʻh)

Britannica.com, Oct. 13, 2010 (Joseph Smith, originally Joseph Smith, Jr. (b. Dec. 23, 1805, Sharon, Vt., U.S.; d. June 27, 1844, Carthage, Ill.), prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

The Book of Mormon, 1830: title page (Joseph Smith, Junior)

Doctrine and covenants of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, 1835: title page (Joseph Smith, Junior)

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, page 1331 (Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844), the Prophet Joseph Smith, founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; born December 23, 1805 in Sharon, Vermont; moved to Palmyra, N.Y. in 1816; founded the Church in Fayette, N.Y. April 6, 1830; migrated with the Church to Kirtland, Ohio in 1831; then to Far West, Missouri in 1838; finally to Nauvoo, Ill. (which he founded) in 1839; killed by a mob in Carthage, Ill. June 27, 1844)

Found in 125 Collections and/or Records:

Geauga County (Ohio) court record

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230317981]
Identifier: MSS SC 1930
Scope and Contents

One handwritten court record. The item is a copy made in 1860 by William N. Keeny, clerk of Geauga County, of the original court record dated 1839. The Halsted Haines Co. sued Joseph Smith (1805-1844), Hyrum Smith, Olivery Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, Brigham Young, and other Mormon Church leaders for redress in connection with questionable business practices. Since the defendants failed to appear when summoned, the plaintiffs were awarded $2337.35 plus expenses.

Dates: 1839

The globe

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230237817]
Identifier: MSS SC 735
Scope and Contents

Photocopy of a handwritten and signed statement dated 15 April 1844. Smith outlines his views on many political issues in the United States.

Dates: 1844

God, Man, and the Universe

 File — Box 1: [Barcode: 31197232501319]
Identifier: MSS 717
Scope and Contents

Typed manuscript of a book published by the Bookcraft Company in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1968. Andrus writes on how Mormons view the universe and man's purpose in it.

Dates: 1968

God's beginning

 Collection — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197233646477]
Identifier: MSS 8344
Scope and Contents

Materials include one sheet of a handwritten transcription of a few paragraphs from The King Follett Discourse and two verses from the Doctrine and Covenants. The transcriber is unknown. Dated approximately 1955.

Dates: approximately 1955

Jesse Hale letter

 Collection — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197231044899]
Identifier: MSS 1009
Scope and Contents

Typescript of a signed letter dated March 30, 1845 and addressed to Emma Hale Smith, wife of Joseph Smith (1805-1844). Hale comments on Joseph Smith's generosity to him.

Dates: 1845

James Holt autobiography

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230235910]
Identifier: MSS SC 190
Scope and Contents

Typescript of an autobiography. Holt writes about his childhood, conversion to the Mormon Church, mission for that faith in Tennessee, and migration to Salt Lake City, Utah. He also tells about the confusion in the Mormon Church after the death of its first president, Joseph Smith.

Dates: 1881

Orson Hyde autobiography and funeral

 Collection — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197232484490]
Identifier: MSS 444
Scope and Contents Typewritten copy of an autobiography. Hyde writes about his early life and religious experiences. He tells about his conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the many missions he served for that faith. He also recounts his experiences with the first president of the Church, Joseph Smith (1805-1844), and his activities in Kirtland, Ohio. Also included is a typewritten copy of the funeral for Hyde in Spring City, Utah on 1 Dec. 1878. A eulogy of him was given by the...
Dates: approximately 1842-1878

Ivan J. Barrett addresses, circa 1957-1963

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2197 Series 1
Scope and Contents note

Recordings of Barrett's addresses.

Dates: circa 1957-1963

Ivan J. Barrett Sunday School lessons and other addresses, 1983-1990

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2197 Series 2
Scope and Contents note

Recordings of Barrett's Sunday School lessons.

Dates: 1983-1990

Ivan J. Barrett video recording and papers, 1989

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2197 Series 3
Scope and Contents note

A video recording of Barrett and several printed programs.

Dates: 1989